After four years of primarily handling paperwork under the Biden-Harris administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are preparing to reenter the field, following plans announced by President-elect Donald Trump and his newly appointed “border czar” Tom Homan.
The incoming administration has pledged a strict crackdown on illegal immigration, signaling a shift in federal immigration enforcement policies.
Thousands of ICE officers, many of whom have been assigned to desk duties in recent years, are now expected to be deployed to enforce immigration laws actively, including making arrests in cities that have served as sanctuaries for illegal aliens.
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The agency’s workforce, which includes around 21,000 personnel according to a Department of Homeland Security budget overview, will be reassigned to support field operations as part of Trump’s renewed immigration policies.
ICE sources estimate that between 60% and 70% of officers in some field offices have been relegated to desk work.
According to ICE insiders, agents are eager to return to field operations. “We’re looking forward to catching criminals that Biden let roam freely in the country for the last four years without any consequences,” one source told The New York Post.
Another officer, who has previous experience with Border Patrol, stated that returning to fieldwork would be manageable, even for those who have not made arrests under the Biden administration.
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Homan, a former ICE acting director and a longtime border agent, has made it clear that sanctuary cities, including New York City, should prepare to cooperate with federal agents. “If they’re not willing to do it, then get out of the way — we’re coming,” Homan said in a recent interview, adding that he intends to “flood agents to the sanctuary cities to get the job done” if necessary.
NEW: Trump’s new Border Czar, Tom Homan, has a message for sanctuary cities:
"If we can't get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City, because we're going to do the job—without you or with you" "If sanctuary cities… pic.twitter.com/jFyQn5hvJL — Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) November 11, 2024
However, ICE insiders have expressed concerns over resource constraints. “The personnel have to be there to carry out these ‘mass deportations,’” one ICE source said, noting that some ICE units have been “depleted” in recent years.
The agency’s Fugitive Operations team, which focuses on arresting migrants who pose security risks, is expected to be a primary asset in Trump’s enforcement plan.
If the current personnel prove insufficient, more officers could be reassigned to bolster arrest teams, sources noted.
Another challenge is funding. ICE sources reported dozens of vacant positions across various offices that have been left unfilled due to budget limitations. “They’re not able to fill them because they don’t have the funding for them,” an ICE official stated, describing the Biden-Harris administration’s budget reductions as effectively a form of “defunding.”
Homan has plans to assess the state of U.S. border enforcement immediately upon resuming his role.
New Border Czar Tom Homan says he's receiving "thousands" of calls from "ICE agents and Border Patrol agents" and "retired military that want to come in and volunteer to help [Trump] secure the border and do the deportation operation." He's also receiving death threats.… pic.twitter.com/lRQpwcjEeW
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) November 11, 2024
In his first week, he intends to visit the southern and northern borders to meet with Border Patrol and ICE teams to understand their most pressing needs.
This will give you chills.
Tom Homan: “When he comes back… I come back… WE FIX THIS SHlT” pic.twitter.com/m2zeFEmzf3 — Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 11, 2024
Homan also indicated a focus on high-priority arrests, particularly those involving illegal migrants deemed threats to national security and public safety.
He plans to resume worksite raids, which were halted by the Biden administration in October 2021.
The announcement of increased immigration enforcement has already impacted migration patterns.
A Venezuelan family crossing the U.S.-Mexico border near Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday morning told The New York Post that they felt compelled to enter the U.S. quickly due to fears of potential deportation under the incoming administration.
“It’s a risk,” said one of the women from Venezuela, acknowledging concerns that stricter immigration policies could soon take effect.
As Trump and Homan prepare to implement new directives, ICE and Border Patrol agents are expected to play an expanded role in field enforcement, signaling a shift in U.S. immigration policy as January approaches.
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A Declaration of War by interested governors would open quick access to unemployed volunteer National Guard members for manpower. Ref. Article I, Section 10, cl 3.